What is the Image of God?

We are made in the image and likeness of God. That statement is a lot to swallow when you really sit back and think about it. Nothing else was made in His image and likeness. No birds of the air, beasts on the land, or creatures in the sea were made in His image or likeness. Our physical body is not in His image and likeness; it is when He breathed into Adam’s nostrils the breath of life. This is where we gained His image and likeness.

The breath of God is significant in scripture:

But there is a spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them that makes them intelligent. Job 32:8

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth (Psalm 33:6, NIV).

All scripture is God-breathed…(2 Timothy 3:16, NIV).

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life (Job 33:4, NIV)

The same Hebrew words used for the creation of sea and land animals is the same when referring to the body in which Adam possessed. This body that God created after all of the animals is not unique until God breathed in him His divine image and likeness. When we say, “in His image, we were created”, we should know that this was the exact moment He breathed life into us. His image has nothing to do with our shell of a body. It is our spirit that has been influenced by God Himself.

Our actions are a direct reflection of God if we profess to be a follower of Christ. If we indeed believe that His image and likeness are in us, then the actions coming from us should be Christ-like. We should remain in Him, through prayer and meditation day and night according to Joshua 1:8. People should see Christ in us. We shouldn’t have to go about telling everyone we’re different because of Him; they should see it or experience it. We are children of God, we are royalty in the kingdom, and we have a changed status in the heavenly realm.

Our greatest testimony is not what comes out of our mouths, but it is our actions. We should not be classified as complainers. We have the gift of God and we are made in His likeness. Every opportunity is ripe for the declaration of Christ Jesus. We should be known as positive and uplifting people, promoting love and care for others. We should be the givers in our organizations and in our communities. We should jump at the opportunity to help another brother or sister going through hard trials. Proverbs 18:24 says we should be friends that stick closer than a brothers or sisters. In doing this we are exemplifying the characteristics of the great I AM.